Poor Progress in Patient Safety, Preventive & Ethics — Case | Ethics | SMLE Q#11422

A 27-year-old primigravida at 40 weeks is in active labor. She has been in the second stage for 3 hours with poor progress. Vaginal examination shows the fetal head at +1 station with caput and molding, with no descent despite adequate uterine contractions. Continuous fetal monitoring shows recurrent late decelerations with minimal variability. The obstetrician advises urgent cesarean delivery. The patient is fully conscious, oriented, demonstrates understanding of risks and benefits, and refuses, requesting a second opinion. Her husband asks the team to proceed. What is the most appropriate next step for the obstetrician?